Press Council warns of pitfalls of authoritarianism

The National Press Council (CNP)  has called on Panamanians to be "critically aware of the pitfalls of authoritarianism that leads to the limititing of constitutional rights, beginning with press freedom.”

The CNP categorically rejected what it considers "state interference in the media in the professional practice of journalism, since it constrains the freedom of press."

The statement follows the ruling of the Supreme Court ordering La Prensa to pay $300,000 to prosecutor Argentina Barrera and "attacks" against civil society organizations.

The council noted that "these judgments, and attempts to exercise forms of control and censorship, coercion or undue attacks on media companies or NGOs who utter any criticism of the performance of public bodies violate the rule of law underpinning the democratic system "in the country.

A statement urged the Government and its three branches to avoid a position “that could lead to the implementation antidemocratic attitudes that tarnish the peaceful and fraternal coexistence of Panamanians."

The statement stressed that the NPC "will not give an inch in the defense of constitutional principles that guarantee freedom of information and opinion."